Ndiraya pleads for more time

By Ellina Mhlanga

Zimbabwe Under-23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya has pleaded for more time to shape his team after the Young Warriors struggled for cohesion in their AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique.

They beat Mozambique 2-0 on aggregate to book a date against South Africa in final qualifying round set for June.

“I think fitness is the most important thing in football, and sport in general, so that’s what we had been mourning about,’’ the coach said.

“Apart from that, I thought we also had a big challenge in blending the two sets of players — the Europe-based players and the local players.

“We had requested a longer period but, because of some logistical problems, we couldn’t have a longer camp and the foreign-based players also had little time with us.

“We just have to keep working. But, I think, what we need is more time in camp, so that the boys will get to know each other more.

“What’s important, going forward, is to strengthen the team, keep building the team so that we have a formidable side by the time we meet South Africa.’’

The Young Warriors coach revealed that they had wanted Admiral Muskwe in their team going into the return leg but he had to go back after the Warriors’ assignment against Congo-Brazzaville on Sunday. The Herald